Writing for an elderly neighbor.
My elderly neighbor was the HOA president. Her neighbor is crazy and writes “impeach her” all over the sidewalk with chalk and her garage. She is coming over at night and tapping on her window at 1 or 2 in the morning, constantly recording her, and making her life hell.
Is this elderly abuse? If not at what point would it be considered elderly abuse?
Comments
It is just plain old harassment and should be reported to the police
Yes. Hands down. This is both menacing and it is harassment. Both punishable by law. The cops absolutely need to be called. Just make sure your elderly neighbor is documenting each incident, photos, maybe video tapes, or photos. Time stamps. Maybe help her if she is finding that too overwhelming to do on her own. No one should have to live in fear like that. I’m sorry this is happening.
You’ve got a lot of good answers and thank you for looking out for your neighbor. I’m wondering if the perpetrator is suffering from a mental illness/dementia? Are they elder too? Perhaps their family needs to be notified too. ?
If the police won’t do anything, can you and your other neighbors take it upon yourselves to intervene? Any volunteers to wait up and catch the graffiti and trespassing in action? Ostracizing can be an effective tool against some people. Anonymous, vaguely menacing notes mailed to the harasser—”We’re watching you.”
You’re writing this for an elderly neighbor who WAS the HOA president? Did the neighbor harass her only when she was president or has the harassment continued?
Have you contacted the police when this person is tapping on elderly neighbor’s windows at 1a, 2a? This may be the route that would get more police attention.
I’d get proof of the tapping at 1 or 2 in the morning. Set up a camera. Kind of thing a stressed out person might make assumptions about when they hear a noise.
Seems the HOA should be told about the graffiti and vandalism? They’re okay with seeing that?
There are several criminal laws being broken call the police.
No trespass him/her, document and consider sending a Cease & Desist (there are forms online), cc local law enforcement and send by certified mail, post a no trespassing sign. Elder abuse is a specific category for investigation (I did this work) and this does not qualify. Be sure she has cameras after following my previous recommendations once he/she has been formally no trespassed (can be done verbally but it is best done in writing).
Depending on the jurisdiction and her actual age, crimes against senior citizens can be a felony.